HPV vaccines to be included in national immunization program

China will include human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in the national immunization program starting Nov 10, offering free inoculation to girls aged 13 and above, according to a new policy issued on Thursday.

The move aims to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer, a leading threat to women's health.

Seven government agencies, including the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration and the National Health Commission, jointly announced the policy. Under the plan, which has been approved by the State Council, girls born after Nov 10, 2011, will receive two doses of the bivalent HPV vaccine, with a six-month interval between doses, at no cost.

The World Health Organization recommends prioritizing HPV vaccination for girls aged 9-14, before they become sexually active. Based on China's specific context, including physical development patterns and the average age girls become sexually active, 13-year-olds have been identified as the optimal group for immunization.

The bivalent HPV vaccine, selected for its proven safety, efficacy, and sufficient supply, has been widely used in China for years. Its cost-effectiveness further supports large-scale deployment.

Earlier efforts laid the groundwork for this national rollout, with a total of 18 provincial regions already incorporating HPV vaccinations into local public health projects.

In preparation for the vaccine rollout, local authorities will begin assessing the number of eligible girls, training staff at vaccination sites, and updating the national immunization information system. To ensure efficiency, appointments will be scheduled in staggered time slots.